Gene Cunningham - February 13, 2000
Cross to the Crown #2
Discipleship a life decision (Mat 28:18-20) to "Observe" all things commanded us. Heb 10:25 "not forsaking the assembly" is one command. Without the body -- church -- we cannot: (1) submit to authority (Heb 13:17, 1Ti 5:17, Tit 1:5); (2) celebrate ordinances (1Co 11:2); (3) be greatest witness to the world (Joh 13:35); (4) someone has to go and someone send (Mat 28:18-20); (5) body functions as a team (Act 2:41-47); (6) personal responsibility -- spiritual gift for building up of the body (1Co 12:7; Eph 4:7); (7) building up of the body (Mat 15:18, Eph 4:11); (8) obey 26 one another commands. Discipleship means: (1) childlike faith (Mat 11:28-29), study of the Word for application -- become your own student -- Christ is the focus; (2) "If you abide in My Word you are My disciples" (Joh 8:30-31, Eph 3:16, Gal 2:20). The world is our biggest judge (Joh 15:6); (3) fruit bearing (Gal 5:22-23, Joh 15:8). Baptism assumes people have been brought to saving knowledge and decision for Christ (Mat 11:28). Teaching equips. Focus is "observe" -- to keep by doing -- application.
Scripture References: Matthew 11:28-29, John 15:8, Titus 1:5, Ephesians 4:11, Galatians 5:22-23, Hebrews 13:17, Matthew 15:18, John 15:6, Hebrews 10:25, Ephesians 4:7, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:41-47, Ephesians 3:16, Matthew 28:18-20, John 8:30-31, Matthew 11:28, John 13:35
From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"
To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.